Byrd’s Nest #5: Why Kinect Will Fail [UPDATED]

[UPDATE: Price corrected]

Microsoft has put everything behind Kinect, it’s new motion control device releasing this fall. They’ve treated it like a new console launch with launch titles, super hype at E3 and Comic-Con and a ton of build up. However it is all in vain. Kinect is has been doomed from the moment it was debuted at E3 2009. Now before I sound like a cynic, let me outline three fundamental reasons why Kinect will never connect with gamers, casual and hardcore alike.

1. Ninetendo already took Kinect’s audience.

Microsoft has made it no secret that Kinect is designed for casual gamers with it’s advertising and slew of family friendly launch titles. However that audience might not be there anymore. It’s been three years since Ninetendo gobbled up gamers with there family friendly Wii. Basically everyone and there brother has bought a Wii. Ninetendo owns the casual market. No one with a Wii will cough up $150 dollars in a recession for something they already basically have. So Kinect will not sell since it’s target audience is already satisfied.

2. The Launch Titles Suck

When Microsoft unveiled the Launch titles at this years E3 one thing jumped off the page. Most of them were bad. Kinect sports is a blatant Wii rip off. Kinectamals although cute looks unappealing. Kinect Racing is seemingly clunky and the rest are truly forgettable. The only intriguing titles are Harmonix’s Dance Central and Kinect Adventures but neither would make me shell out $270 $250($60 $49 a game) for them. All the Motion Control in the world is nothing without good games for that Motion Control.

3. Lack of Advertising

While most hardcore gamers have heard of Kinect there have been no attempts at mainstream advertising of the device. I’ve talked to some of my non gaming and casual gaming friends (Microsoft’s core audience) and most have no idea what it is. With only two months to release date this is perplexing. In an age where Red Dead Redemption and Call of Duty have advertising on network TV it is unacceptable for Microsoft to have no mainstream advertising. Without enough hype Kinect won’t sell. Heck, nothing can sell without hype.

So there you have it. The three reasons why Microsoft’s appeal to the Casual will be in my opinion, one of the biggest busts of this gaming generation.